Press Events

Press Events

UPDATED; Press Conference: Averting Tokyo Catastrophe: A Solution For the National Stadium Crisis

Preserve formatting in description (only supported in some calendar applications)

Friday, June 13, 2014, 15:00 - 16:00

Averting Tokyo Catastrophe: A Solution For the National Stadium CrisisSachihiko Harashina, Tokyo Institute of TechnologyTakashi Moriyama, ArchitectEdward Suzuki ArchitectHidetoshi Ohno, The University of TokyoNobuko Shimizu, Co-Chair, Custodians of the National StadiumLanguage: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation* Following Gov. Masuzoe’s announcement, the content has been updated.

In spite of Governor Masuzoe's recent announcement to review 2020 Olympics-related construction projects, the demolition of Japan's iconic National Stadium by the Japan Sports Council, though possibly delayed, remains on the cards and looming just weeks away. Detractors continue to call for an urgent reassessment contendingthesheer size, unrealistic cost projections, arbitrary environmental impact assessment, and neglect of urban planning fundamentals, make the scheme, even in modified incarnations, an ill-considered, high- risk folly which runs contrary to the IOC's endorsement of using existing facilities wherever possible. With little evidence of sufficient local demand for an 80,000 seat venue post-Olympics, the critics insist the only sound solutionwould be to remodel the existing stadium.

Though further modifications may now be in the pipeline,British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid's design, as it stands, will be 70 meters high with four times the floor space of the current stadium, and will spill over into surrounding parks. Its 169 billion yen budget now comes under the scrutiny of Masuzoe, as will its projected 4.6 billion yen operations projection, which critics fear does not factor in realistic estimates for the high maintenance of convertible roofs, natural grass carpets and air conditioning for the colossal interior. All the while, there is little time to be going back to the drawing boards for another design to match the new austerity.

Japan's leading architects, economists and environmental expertswill gather at the FCCJ to call for remodeling the existing stadium and adding a temporary extension to meet seating requirements for the 2019 Rugby World Cup and 2020 Olympics, contending that JSC's current plan willbe catastrophic for Tokyo's finances and cityscape, leaving an untenable legacy for future generations.

Brazil's unfolding Word Cup venues debacle has added tangible urgency to defining a new path. As Tokyo counts down to demolition, come hear how the panel proposes to deliver, complete with dramatic simulation visuals. Please reserve in advance, 3211-3161 or on the website(still & TV cameras inclusive). Reservations and cancellations are not complete without confirmation.